Creating something where there was nothing before, making people laugh and think and see the world in a new way, is one of the most rewarding experiences of all. Whether you are a professional artist or simply a creative dabbler, San Juan Island is an incredible place to nourish the creative mind. Living proof are the isle’s working artists, more than in any other county in Washington State. Here are our favorite places by art form to hone your skills, get fresh ideas and/or unique materials.
1. Painting at American Camp National Historical Park
Head to American Camp National Historical Park early in the morning. Find a place which inspires you, like South Beach – San Juan Island’s longest beach – or the prairies surrounding Cattle Point Light House. When still, this place is astonishing for wildlife watching. Observe seabirds, Bald Eagles, foxes, otters and sea lions. Enjoy drawing sailboats bobbing by or the fog lifting off the water with, wildflowers, a rugged coastline and the snowcapped Olympic Mountains on the horizon.
2. Writing on Mt. Young
Hike the 1.5 steep(ish) miles up Mount Young in English Camp National Historical Park and be rewarded with breathtaking views of all the other islands. Watch hawks and eagles ride the thermals above and below you. Take note of the majestic Garry oaks on the hike up. Sit in the soft moss and write. If you don’t feel like you’re making progress on your work, just write what you see, how your body feels, about your thoughts or make a gratitude list.
3. Photography at the Whale Watch Park
Nothing says “San Juan Island” like the historic Lime Kiln Light House at Lime Kiln State Park, also known as the Whale Watch Park. Stop by the Friday Harbor Whale Museum before you go and ask about recent whale sightings. If the Orcas are on their way to the park, you’ll find yourself among many like-minded, often professional photographers, waiting in excited anticipation for the Black Fish, who -- due to the very deep waters surrounding the park – feed exceptionally close to shore. Stay for the sunset, you will not regret it.
4. Knitting at the Alpaca Farm
Visit the adorable, open year-round Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm and treat yourself to Alpaca wool from their herds at their county store. Alpaca wool is more than five times warmer than sheep wool. It comes in 22 natural colors, a wider range than any other animal and is so soft that most people can’t tell the difference from cashmere. Find a spot overlooking the rolling farm fields and knit the softest socks you’ve ever made.
5. Get Cooking Ingredients at the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market
The Saturday San Juan Island Farmer’s Market is a food lover’s paradise. Discover abundant fresh, clean, seasonal food from land and sea, plus unique ingredients you may hardly find anyplace else, like San Juan Sea Salt, their rubs and spice mixes or fresh sea asparagus. There are other lovely things to get every cook yearns for: hand carved wooden spoons or the most delightful pottery by local potter Paula West.
6. Get inspired by San Juan Island Artists
Inspiration is the mother of creativity. Take yourself on an artist date around the isle. Visit the San Juan Sculpture Park displaying over 150 sculptures and poems on five trails winding through forest, along beautiful Westcott Bay and a natural lake. Check out the three museums and seven galleries within walking distance of the ferry in Friday Harbor. Come for the self-guided Artist Studio Tour every June, or explore the numerous artist booths at the Lavender Festival at Pelindaba Lavender Farm every July.
7. Make Beach Art
Making ephemeral art, like a fairy garden on the beach the next high tide will take, is such a good exercise for us creatives and a sweet reminder that nothing here is permanent and none of us can take anything with us.
